Data-capable band for medical diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment

ABSTRACT

A system for medical diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment is described, including a medical band comprising one or more sensors configured to gather data associated with at least one symptom of a medical condition and a communications facility configured to communicate with another device, a memory configured to store the data, a notification facility configured to provide a notification, and an application implemented on the another device, the application configured to determine the medical condition using the data and to provide an instruction to the medical band. The notifications may be alarms, may be designed to prompt movement, or may be associated with a drug regimen.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/180,000, filed Jul. 11, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/495,995, filed Jun. 11, 2011entitled “Data-Capable Strapband,” U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/495,994, filed Jun. 11, 2011 entitled “Data-Capable Strapband,”U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/495,997, filed Jun. 11, 2011entitled “Data-Capable Strapband,” U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/495,996, filed Jun. 11, 2011 entitled “Data-Capable Strapband”;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/180,000 is a continuation-in-part ofprior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/158,416, filed Jun. 11, 2011entitled “Component Protective Overmolding”, which is acontinuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/158,372, filed Jun. 10, 2011 entitled “Component ProtectiveOvermolding”; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/180,000 is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/158,372,filed Jun. 10, 2011 entitled “Component Protective Overmolding,” all ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to electrical and electronichardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications,and computing devices. More specifically, techniques for a data-capablepersonal worn or carried device for medical diagnosis, monitoring, andtreatment, are described.

BACKGROUND

With the advent of greater computing capabilities in smaller personaland/or portable form factors and an increasing number of applications(i.e., computer and Internet software or programs) for different uses,consumers (i.e., users) have access to large amounts of personal data.Information and data are often readily available, but poorly capturedusing conventional data capture devices. Conventional devices typicallylack capabilities that can capture, analyze, communicate, or use data ina contextually-meaningful, comprehensive, and efficient manner. Further,conventional solutions are often limited to specific individual purposesor uses, demanding that users invest in multiple devices in order toperform different activities (e.g., a sports watch for tracking time anddistance, a GPS receiver for monitoring a hike or run, a cyclometer forgathering cycling data, and others). Although a wide range of data andinformation is available, conventional devices and applications fail toprovide effective solutions that comprehensively capture data for agiven user across numerous disparate activities.

Some conventional solutions combine a small number of discretefunctions. Functionality for data capture, processing, storage, orcommunication in conventional devices such as a watch or timer with aheart rate monitor or global positioning system (“GPS”) receiver areavailable conventionally, but are expensive to manufacture and purchase.Other conventional solutions for combining personal data capturefacilities often present numerous design and manufacturing problems suchas size restrictions, specialized materials requirements, loweredtolerances for defects such as pits or holes in coverings forwater-resistant or waterproof devices, unreliability, higher failurerates, increased manufacturing time, and expense. Subsequently,conventional devices such as fitness watches, heart rate monitors,GPS-enabled fitness monitors, health monitors (e.g., diabetic bloodsugar testing units), digital voice recorders, pedometers, altimeters,and other conventional personal data capture devices are generallymanufactured for conditions that occur in a single or small groupings ofactivities.

Generally, if the number of activities performed by conventionalpersonal data capture devices increases, there is a corresponding risein design and manufacturing requirements that results in significantconsumer expense, which eventually becomes prohibitive to bothinvestment and commercialization. Further, conventional manufacturingtechniques are often limited and ineffective at meeting increasedrequirements to protect sensitive hardware, circuitry, and othercomponents that are susceptible to damage, but which are required toperform various personal data capture activities. As a conventionalexample, sensitive electronic components such as printed circuit boardassemblies (“PCBA”), sensors, and computer memory (hereafter “memory”)can be significantly damaged or destroyed during manufacturing processeswhere overmoldings or layering of protective material occurs usingtechniques such as injection molding, cold molding, and others. Damagedor destroyed items subsequently raises the cost of goods sold and candeter not only investment and commercialization, but also innovation indata capture and analysis technologies, which are highly compellingfields of opportunity.

Thus, what is needed is a solution for data capture devices without thelimitations of conventional techniques.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments or examples (“examples”) are disclosed in thefollowing detailed description and the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary data-capable band system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary data-capable band;

FIG. 3 illustrates sensors for use with an exemplary data-capable band;

FIG. 4 illustrates an application architecture for an exemplarydata-capable band;

FIG. 5A illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplarydata-capable band;

FIG. 5B illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplarydata-capable band in fitness-related activities;

FIG. 5C illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplarydata-capable band in sleep management activities;

FIG. 5D illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplarydata-capable band in medical-related activities;

FIG. 6 illustrates a transition between modes of operation of a band inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary data-capableband;

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable band;

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary data-capableband;

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable band;

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary data-capableband;

FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable band;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary computer system suitable for use with adata-capable band;

FIG. 11 depicts a representative implementation of one or more bands andequivalent devices, as wearable devices, to form unique motion profiles,according to various embodiments; and

FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams representing examples of networks formedusing one or more bands, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments or examples may be implemented in numerous ways,including as a system, a process, an apparatus, a user interface, or aseries of program instructions on a computer readable medium such as acomputer readable storage medium or a computer network where the programinstructions are sent over optical, electronic, or wirelesscommunication links. In general, operations of disclosed processes maybe performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in theclaims.

A detailed description of one or more examples is provided below alongwith accompanying figures. The detailed description is provided inconnection with such examples, but is not limited to any particularexample. The scope is limited only by the claims and numerousalternatives, modifications, and equivalents are encompassed. Numerousspecific details are set forth in the following description in order toprovide a thorough understanding. These details are provided for thepurpose of example and the described techniques may be practicedaccording to the claims without some or all of these specific details.For clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fieldsrelated to the examples has not been described in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the description.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary data-capable band system. Here, system100 includes network 102, bands 104-112, server 114, mobile computingdevice 116, mobile communications device 118, computer 120, laptop 122,and distributed sensor 124. Bands 104-112 may be implemented asdata-capable devices that may be worn as a strap or band around an arm,leg, ankle, or other bodily appendage or feature. In other examples,bands 104-112 may be attached directly or indirectly to other items,organic or inorganic, animate, or static. In still other examples, bands104-112 may be used differently.

As described above, bands 104-112 may be implemented as wearablepersonal data or data capture devices (e.g., data-capable devices) thatare worn by a user around a wrist, ankle, arm, ear, or other appendage,or attached to the body or affixed to clothing. One or more facilities,sensing elements, or sensors, both active and passive, may beimplemented as part of bands 104-112 in order to capture various typesof data from different sources. Temperature, environmental, temporal,motion, electronic, electrical, chemical, or other types of sensors(including those described below in connection with FIG. 3) may be usedin order to gather varying amounts of data, which may be configurable bya user, locally (e.g., using user interface facilities such as buttons,switches, motion-activated/detected command structures (e.g.,accelerometer-gathered data from user-initiated motion of bands104-112), and others) or remotely (e.g., entering rules or parameters ina website or graphical user interface (“GUI”) that may be used to modifycontrol systems or signals in firmware, circuitry, hardware, andsoftware implemented (i.e., installed) on bands 104-112). Bands 104-112may also be implemented as data-capable devices that are configured fordata communication using various types of communications infrastructureand media, as described in greater detail below. Bands 104-112 may alsobe wearable, personal, non-intrusive, lightweight devices that areconfigured to gather large amounts of personally relevant data that canbe used to improve user health, fitness levels, medical conditions,athletic performance, sleeping physiology, and physiological conditions,or used as a sensory-based user interface (“UI”) to signalsocial-related notifications specifying the state of the user throughvibration, heat, lights or other sensory based notifications. Forexample, a social-related notification signal indicating a user ison-line can be transmitted to a recipient, who in turn, receives thenotification as, for instance, a vibration.

Using data gathered by bands 104-112, applications may be used toperform various analyses and evaluations that can generate informationas to a person's physical (e.g., healthy, sick, weakened, activitylevel, or other states), emotional, or mental state (e.g., an elevatedbody temperature or heart rate may indicate stress, a lowered heart rateand skin temperature, or reduced movement (e.g., excessive sleeping),may indicate physiological depression caused by exertion or otherfactors, chemical data gathered from evaluating out-gassing from theskin's surface may be analyzed to determine whether a person's diet isbalanced or if various nutrients are lacking, salinity detectors may beevaluated to determine if high, lower, or proper blood sugar levels arepresent for diabetes management, and others). Generally, bands 104-112may be configured to gather from sensors locally and remotely.

As an example, band 104 may capture (i.e., record, store, communicate(i.e., send or receive), process, or the like) data from various sources(i.e., sensors that are organic (i.e., installed, integrated, orotherwise implemented with band 104) or distributed (e.g., microphoneson mobile computing device 116, mobile communications device 118,computer 120, laptop 122, distributed sensor 124, global positioningsystem (“GPS”) satellites, or others, without limitation)) and exchangedata with one or more of bands 106-112, server 114, mobile computingdevice 116, mobile communications device 118, computer 120, laptop 122,and distributed sensor 124. As shown here, a local sensor may be onethat is incorporated, integrated, or otherwise implemented with bands104-112. A remote or distributed sensor (e.g., mobile computing device116, mobile communications device 118, computer 120, laptop 122, or,generally, distributed sensor 124) may be sensors that can be accessed,controlled, or otherwise used by bands 104-112. For example, band 112may be configured to control devices that are also controlled by a givenuser (e.g., mobile computing device 116, mobile communications device118, computer 120, laptop 122, and distributed sensor 124). For example,a microphone in mobile communications device 118 may be used to detect,for example, ambient audio data that is used to help identify a person'slocation, or an ear clip (e.g., a headset as described below) affixed toan ear may be used to record pulse or blood oxygen saturation levels.Additionally, a sensor implemented with a screen on mobile computingdevice 116 may be used to read a user's temperature or obtain abiometric signature while a user is interacting with data. A furtherexample may include using data that is observed on computer 120 orlaptop 122 that provides information as to a user's online behavior andthe type of content that she is viewing, which may be used by bands104-112. Regardless of the type or location of sensor used, data may betransferred to bands 104-112 by using, for example, an analog audiojack, digital adapter (e.g., USB, mini-USB), or other, withoutlimitation, plug, or other type of connector that may be used tophysically couple bands 104-112 to another device or system fortransferring data and, in some examples, to provide power to recharge abattery (not shown). Alternatively, a wireless data communicationinterface or facility (e.g., a wireless radio that is configured tocommunicate data from bands 104-112 using one or more data communicationprotocols (e.g., IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n (WiFi), WiMax, ANT™, ZigBee®,Bluetooth®, Near Field Communications (“NFC”), and others)) may be usedto receive or transfer data. Further, bands 104-112 may be configured toanalyze, evaluate, modify, or otherwise use data gathered, eitherdirectly or indirectly.

In some examples, bands 104-112 may be configured to share data witheach other or with an intermediary facility, such as a database,website, web service, or the like, which may be implemented by server114. In some embodiments, server 114 can be operated by a third partyproviding, for example, social media-related services. Bands 104-112 andother related devices may exchange data with each other directly, orbands 104-112 may exchange data via a third party server, such as athird party like Facebook®, to provide social-media related services.Examples of other third party servers include those implemented bysocial networking services, including, but not limited to, services suchas Yahoo! IM™, GTalk™, MSN Messenger™, Twitter® and other private orpublic social networks. The exchanged data may include personalphysiological data and data derived from sensory-based user interfaces(“UI”). Server 114, in some examples, may be implemented using one ormore processor-based computing devices or networks, including computingclouds, storage area networks (“SAN”), or the like. As shown, bands104-112 may be used as a personal data or area network (e.g., “PDN” or“PAN”) in which data relevant to a given user or band (e.g., one or moreof bands 104-112) may be shared. As shown here, bands 104 and 112 may beconfigured to exchange data with each other over network 102 orindirectly using server 114. Users of bands 104 and 112 may direct a webbrowser hosted on a computer (e.g., computer 120, laptop 122, or thelike) in order to access, view, modify, or perform other operations withdata captured by bands 104 and 112. For example, two runners using bands104 and 112 may be geographically remote (e.g., users are notgeographically in close proximity locally such that bands being used byeach user are in direct data communication), but wish to share dataregarding their race times (pre, post, or in-race), personal records(i.e., “PR”), target split times, results, performance characteristics(e.g., target heart rate, target VO₂ max, and others), and otherinformation. If both runners (i.e., bands 104 and 112) are engaged in arace on the same day, data can be gathered for comparative analysis andother uses. Further, data can be shared in substantially real-time(taking into account any latencies incurred by data transfer rates,network topologies, or other data network factors) as well as uploadedafter a given activity or event has been performed. In other words, datacan be captured by the user as it is worn and configured to transferdata using, for example, a wireless network connection (e.g., a wirelessnetwork interface card, wireless local area network (“LAN”) card, cellphone, or the like. Data may also be shared in a temporally asynchronousmanner in which a wired data connection (e.g., an analog audio plug (andassociated software or firmware) configured to transfer digitallyencoded data to encoded audio data that may be transferred between bands104-112 and a plug configured to receive, encode/decode, and processdata exchanged) may be used to transfer data from one or more bands104-112 to various destinations (e.g., another of bands 104-112, server114, mobile computing device 116, mobile communications device 118,computer 120, laptop 122, and distributed sensor 124). Bands 104-112 maybe implemented with various types of wired and/or wireless communicationfacilities and are not intended to be limited to any specifictechnology. For example, data may be transferred from bands 104-112using an analog audio plug (e.g., TRRS, TRS, or others). In otherexamples, wireless communication facilities using various types of datacommunication protocols (e.g., WiFi, Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, ANT™, andothers) may be implemented as part of bands 104-112, which may includecircuitry, firmware, hardware, radios, antennas, processors,microprocessors, memories, or other electrical, electronic, mechanical,or physical elements configured to enable data communicationcapabilities of various types and characteristics.

As data-capable devices, bands 104-112 may be configured to collect datafrom a wide range of sources, including onboard (not shown) anddistributed sensors (e.g., server 114, mobile computing device 116,mobile communications device 118, computer 120, laptop 122, anddistributed sensor 124) or other bands. Some or all data captured may bepersonal, sensitive, or confidential and various techniques forproviding secure storage and access may be implemented. For example,various types of security protocols and algorithms may be used to encodedata stored or accessed by bands 104-112. Examples of security protocolsand algorithms include authentication, encryption, encoding, private andpublic key infrastructure, passwords, checksums, hash codes and hashfunctions (e.g., SHA, SHA-1, MD-5, and the like), or others may be usedto prevent undesired access to data captured by bands 104-112. In otherexamples, data security for bands 104-112 may be implementeddifferently.

Bands 104-112 may be used as personal wearable, data capture devicesthat, when worn, are configured to identify a specific, individual user.By evaluating captured data such as motion data from an accelerometer,biometric data such as heart rate, skin galvanic response, and otherbiometric data, and using long-term analysis techniques (e.g., softwarepackages or modules of any type, without limitation), a user may have aunique pattern of behavior or motion and/or biometric responses that canbe used as a signature for identification. For example, bands 104-112may gather data regarding an individual person's gait or other uniquebiometric, physiological or behavioral characteristics. Using, forexample, distributed sensor 124, a biometric signature (e.g.,fingerprint, retinal or iris vascular pattern, or others) may begathered and transmitted to bands 104-112 that, when combined with otherdata, determines that a given user has been properly identified and, assuch, authenticated. When bands 104-112 are worn, a user may beidentified and authenticated to enable a variety of other functions suchas accessing or modifying data, enabling wired or wireless datatransmission facilities (i.e., allowing the transfer of data from bands104-112), modifying functionality or functions of bands 104-112,authenticating financial transactions using stored data and information(e.g., credit card, PIN, card security numbers, and the like), runningapplications that allow for various operations to be performed (e.g.,controlling physical security and access by transmitting a security codeto a reader that, when authenticated, unlocks a door by turning offcurrent to an electromagnetic lock, and others), and others. Differentfunctions and operations beyond those described may be performed usingbands 104-112, which can act as secure, personal, wearable, data-capabledevices. The number, type, function, configuration, specifications,structure, or other features of system 100 and the above-describedelements may be varied and are not limited to the examples provided.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary data-capable band.Here, band 200 includes bus 202, processor 204, memory 206, notificationfacility 208, accelerometer 210, sensor 212, battery 214, andcommunications facility 216. In some examples, the quantity, type,function, structure, and configuration of band 200 and the elements(e.g., bus 202, processor 204, memory 206, notification facility 208,accelerometer 210, sensor 212, battery 214, and communications facility216) shown may be varied and are not limited to the examples provided.As shown, processor 204 may be implemented as logic to provide controlfunctions and signals to memory 206, notification facility 208,accelerometer 210, sensor 212, battery 214, and communications facility216. Processor 204 may be implemented using any type of processor ormicroprocessor suitable for packaging within bands 104-112 (FIG. 1).Various types of microprocessors may be used to provide data processingcapabilities for band 200 and are not limited to any specific type orcapability. For example, a MSP430F5528-type microprocessor manufacturedby Texas Instruments of Dallas, Tex. may be configured for datacommunication using audio tones and enabling the use of an audioplug-and-jack system (e.g., TRRS, TRS, or others) for transferring datacaptured by band 200. Further, different processors may be desired ifother functionality (e.g., the type and number of sensors (e.g., sensor212)) are varied. Data processed by processor 204 may be stored using,for example, memory 206.

In some examples, memory 206 may be implemented using various types ofdata storage technologies and standards, including, without limitation,read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), dynamic randomaccess memory (“DRAM”), static random access memory (“SRAM”),static/dynamic random access memory (“SDRAM”), magnetic random accessmemory (“MRAM”), solid state, two and three-dimensional memories,Flash®, and others. Memory 206 may also be implemented using one or morepartitions that are configured for multiple types of data storagetechnologies to allow for non-modifiable (i.e., by a user) software tobe installed (e.g., firmware installed on ROM) while also providing forstorage of captured data and applications using, for example, RAM. Oncecaptured and/or stored in memory 206, data may be subjected to variousoperations performed by other elements of band 200.

Notification facility 208, in some examples, may be implemented toprovide vibratory energy, audio or visual signals, communicated throughband 200. As used herein, “facility” refers to any, some, or all of thefeatures and structures that are used to implement a given set offunctions. In some examples, the vibratory energy may be implementedusing a motor or other mechanical structure. In some examples, the audiosignal may be a tone or other audio cue, or it may be implemented usingdifferent sounds for different purposes. The audio signals may beemitted directly using notification facility 208, or indirectly bytransmission via communications facility 216 to other audio-capabledevices (e.g., headphones (not shown), a headset (as described belowwith regard to FIGS. 11-13), mobile computing device 115, mobilecommunications device 118, computer 120, laptop 122, distributed sensor124, etc.). In some examples, the visual signal may be implemented usingany available display technology, such as lights, light-emitting diodes(LEDs), interferometric modulator display (IMOD), electrophoretic ink (EInk), organic light-emitting diode (OLED), or other displaytechnologies. As an example, an application stored on memory 206 may beconfigured to monitor a clock signal from processor 204 in order toprovide timekeeping functions to band 200. For example, if an alarm isset for a desired time, notification facility 208 may be used to providea vibration or an audio tone, or a series of vibrations or audio tones,when the desired time occurs. As another example, notification facility208 may be coupled to a framework (not shown) or other structure that isused to translate or communicate vibratory energy throughout thephysical structure of band 200. In other examples, notification facility208 may be implemented differently.

Power may be stored in battery 214, which may be implemented as abattery, battery module, power management module, or the like. Power mayalso be gathered from local power sources such as solar panels,thermo-electric generators, and kinetic energy generators, among othersthat are alternatives power sources to external power for a battery.These additional sources can either power the system directly or cancharge a battery, which, in turn, is used to power the system (e.g., ofa band). In other words, battery 214 may include a rechargeable,expendable, replaceable, or other type of battery, but also circuitry,hardware, or software that may be used in connection with in lieu ofprocessor 204 in order to provide power management, charge/recharging,sleep, or other functions. Further, battery 214 may be implemented usingvarious types of battery technologies, including Lithium Ion (“LI”),Nickel Metal Hydride (“NiMH”), or others, without limitation. Powerdrawn as electrical current may be distributed from battery via bus 202,the latter of which may be implemented as deposited or formed circuitryor using other forms of circuits or cabling, including flexiblecircuitry. Electrical current distributed from battery 204 and managedby processor 204 may be used by one or more of memory 206, notificationfacility 208, accelerometer 210, sensor 212, or communications facility216.

As shown, various sensors may be used as input sources for data capturedby band 200. For example, accelerometer 210 may be used to gather datameasured across one, two, or three axes of motion. In addition toaccelerometer 210, other sensors (i.e., sensor 212) may be implementedto provide temperature, environmental, physical, chemical, electrical,or other types of sensed inputs. As presented here, sensor 212 mayinclude one or multiple sensors and is not intended to be limiting as tothe quantity or type of sensor implemented. Data captured by band 200using accelerometer 210 and sensor 212 or data requested from anothersource (i.e., outside of band 200) may also be exchanged, transferred,or otherwise communicated using communications facility 216. Forexample, communications facility 216 may include a wireless radio,control circuit or logic, antenna, transceiver, receiver, transmitter,resistors, diodes, transistors, or other elements that are used totransmit and receive data from band 200. In some examples,communications facility 216 may be implemented to provide a “wired” datacommunication capability such as an analog or digital attachment, plug,jack, or the like to allow for data to be transferred. In otherexamples, communications facility 216 may be implemented to provide awireless data communication capability to transmit digitally encodeddata across one or more frequencies using various types of datacommunication protocols, without limitation. In still other examples,band 200 and the above-described elements may be varied in function,structure, configuration, or implementation and are not limited to thoseshown and described.

FIG. 3 illustrates sensors for use with an exemplary data-capable band.Sensor 212 may be implemented using various types of sensors, some ofwhich are shown. Like-numbered and named elements may describe the sameor substantially similar element as those shown in other descriptions.Here, sensor 212 (FIG. 2) may be implemented as accelerometer 302,altimeter/barometer 304, light/infrared (“IR”) sensor 306, pulse/heartrate (“HR”) monitor 308, audio sensor (e.g., microphone, transducer, orothers) 310, pedometer 312, velocimeter 314, GPS receiver 316,location-based service sensor (e.g., sensor for determining locationwithin a cellular or micro-cellular network, which may or may not useGPS or other satellite constellations for fixing a position) 318, motiondetection sensor 320, environmental sensor 322, chemical sensor 324,electrical sensor 326, or mechanical sensor 328.

As shown, accelerometer 302 may be used to capture data associated withmotion detection along 1, 2, or 3-axes of measurement, withoutlimitation to any specific type of specification of sensor.Accelerometer 302 may also be implemented to measure various types ofuser motion and may be configured based on the type of sensor, firmware,software, hardware, or circuitry used. As another example,altimeter/barometer 304 may be used to measure environment pressure,atmospheric or otherwise, and is not limited to any specification ortype of pressure-reading device. In some examples, altimeter/barometer304 may be an altimeter, a barometer, or a combination thereof. Forexample, altimeter/barometer 304 may be implemented as an altimeter formeasuring above ground level (“AGL”) pressure in band 200, which hasbeen configured for use by naval or military aviators. As anotherexample, altimeter/barometer 304 may be implemented as a barometer forreading atmospheric pressure for marine-based applications. In otherexamples, altimeter/barometer 304 may be implemented differently.

Other types of sensors that may be used to measure light or photonicconditions include light/IR sensor 306, motion detection sensor 320, andenvironmental sensor 322, the latter of which may include any type ofsensor for capturing data associated with environmental conditionsbeyond light. Further, motion detection sensor 320 may be configured todetect motion using a variety of techniques and technologies, including,but not limited to comparative or differential light analysis (e.g.,comparing foreground and background lighting), sound monitoring, orothers. Audio sensor 310 may be implemented using any type of deviceconfigured to record or capture sound.

In some examples, pedometer 312 may be implemented using devices tomeasure various types of data associated with pedestrian-orientedactivities such as running or walking Footstrikes, stride length, stridelength or interval, time, and other data may be measured. Velocimeter314 may be implemented, in some examples, to measure velocity (e.g.,speed and directional vectors) without limitation to any particularactivity. Further, additional sensors that may be used as sensor 212include those configured to identify or obtain location-based data. Forexample, GPS receiver 316 may be used to obtain coordinates of thegeographic location of band 200 using, for example, various types ofsignals transmitted by civilian and/or military satellite constellationsin low, medium, or high earth orbit (e.g., “LEO,” “MEO,” or “GEO”). Inother examples, differential GPS algorithms may also be implemented withGPS receiver 316, which may be used to generate more precise or accuratecoordinates. Still further, location-based services sensor 318 may beimplemented to obtain location-based data including, but not limited tolocation, nearby services or items of interest, and the like. As anexample, location-based services sensor 318 may be configured to detectan electronic signal, encoded or otherwise, that provides informationregarding a physical locale as band 200 passes. The electronic signalmay include, in some examples, encoded data regarding the location andinformation associated therewith. Electrical sensor 326 and mechanicalsensor 328 may be configured to include other types (e.g., haptic,kinetic, piezoelectric, piezomechanical, pressure, touch, thermal, andothers) of sensors for data input to band 200, without limitation. Othertypes of sensors apart from those shown may also be used, includingmagnetic flux sensors such as solid-state compasses and the like,including gyroscopic sensors. While the present illustration providesnumerous examples of types of sensors that may be used with band 200(FIG. 2), others not shown or described may be implemented with or as asubstitute for any sensor shown or described.

FIG. 4 illustrates an application architecture for an exemplarydata-capable band. Here, application architecture 400 includes bus 402,logic module 404, communications module 406, security module 408,interface module 410, data management 412, audio module 414, motorcontroller 416, service management module 418, sensor input evaluationmodule 420, and power management module 422. In some examples,application architecture 400 and the above-listed elements (e.g., bus402, logic module 404, communications module 406, security module 408,interface module 410, data management 412, audio module 414, motorcontroller 416, service management module 418, sensor input evaluationmodule 420, and power management module 422) may be implemented assoftware using various computer programming and formatting languagessuch as Java, C++, C, and others. As shown here, logic module 404 may befirmware or application software that is installed in memory 206 (FIG.2) and executed by processor 204 (FIG. 2). Included with logic module404 may be program instructions or code (e.g., source, object, binaryexecutables, or others) that, when initiated, called, or instantiated,perform various functions.

For example, logic module 404 may be configured to send control signalsto communications module 406 in order to transfer, transmit, or receivedata stored in memory 206, the latter of which may be managed by adatabase management system (“DBMS”) or utility in data management module412. As another example, security module 408 may be controlled by logicmodule 404 to provide encoding, decoding, encryption, authentication, orother functions to band 200 (FIG. 2). Alternatively, security module 408may also be implemented as an application that, using data captured fromvarious sensors and stored in memory 206 (and accessed by datamanagement module 412) may be used to provide identification functionsthat enable band 200 to passively identify a user or wearer of band 200.Still further, various types of security software and applications maybe used and are not limited to those shown and described.

Interface module 410, in some examples, may be used to manage userinterface controls such as switches, buttons, or other types of controlsthat enable a user to manage various functions of band 200. For example,a 4-position switch may be turned to a given position that isinterpreted by interface module 410 to determine the proper signal orfeedback to send to logic module 404 in order to generate a particularresult. In other examples, a button (not shown) may be depressed thatallows a user to trigger or initiate certain actions by sending anothersignal to logic module 404. Still further, interface module 410 may beused to interpret data from, for example, accelerometer 210 (FIG. 2) toidentify specific movement or motion that initiates or triggers a givenresponse. In other examples, interface module 410 may be implementeddifferently in function, structure, or configuration and is not limitedto those shown and described.

As shown, audio module 414 may be configured to manage encoded orunencoded data gathered from various types of audio sensors. In someexamples, audio module 414 may include one or more codes that are usedto encode or decode various types of audio waveforms. For example,analog audio input may be encoded by audio module 414 and, once encoded,sent as a signal or collection of data packets, messages, segments,frames, or the like to logic module 404 for transmission viacommunications module 406. In other examples, audio module 414 may beimplemented differently in function, structure, configuration, orimplementation and is not limited to those shown and described. Otherelements that may be used by band 200 include motor controller 416,which may be firmware or an application to control a motor or othervibratory energy source (e.g., notification facility 208 (FIG. 2)).Power used for band 200 may be drawn from battery 214 (FIG. 2) andmanaged by power management module 422, which may be firmware or anapplication used to manage, with or without user input, how power isconsumer, conserved, or otherwise used by band 200 and theabove-described elements, including one or more sensors (e.g., sensor212 (FIG. 2), sensors 302-328 (FIG. 3)). With regard to data captured,sensor input evaluation module 420 may be a software engine or modulethat is used to evaluate and analyze data received from one or moreinputs (e.g., sensors 302-328) to band 200. When received, data may beanalyzed by sensor input evaluation module 420, which may include customor “off-the-shelf” analytics packages that are configured to provideapplication-specific analysis of data to determine trends, patterns, andother useful information. In other examples, sensor input module 420 mayalso include firmware or software that enables the generation of varioustypes and formats of reports for presenting data and any analysisperformed thereupon.

Another element of application architecture 400 that may be included isservice management module 418. In some examples, service managementmodule 418 may be firmware, software, or an application that isconfigured to manage various aspects and operations associated withexecuting software-related instructions for band 200. For example,libraries or classes that are used by software or applications on band200 may be served from an online or networked source. Service managementmodule 418 may be implemented to manage how and when these services areinvoked in order to ensure that desired applications are executedproperly within application architecture 400. As discrete sets,collections, or groupings of functions, services used by band 200 forvarious purposes ranging from communications to operating systems tocall or document libraries may be managed by service management module418. Alternatively, service management module 418 may be implementeddifferently and is not limited to the examples provided herein. Further,application architecture 400 is an example of asoftware/system/application-level architecture that may be used toimplement various software-related aspects of band 200 and may be variedin the quantity, type, configuration, function, structure, or type ofprogramming or formatting languages used, without limitation to anygiven example.

FIG. 5A illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplarydata-capable band. Here, wearable device 502 may capture various typesof data, including, but not limited to sensor data 504, manually-entereddata 506, application data 508, location data 510, network data 512,system/operating data 514, and user data 516. Various types of data maybe captured from sensors, such as those described above in connectionwith FIG. 3. Manually-entered data, in some examples, may be data orinputs received directly and locally by band 200 (FIG. 2). In otherexamples, manually-entered data may also be provided through athird-party website that stores the data in a database and may besynchronized from server 114 (FIG. 1) with one or more of bands 104-112.Other types of data that may be captured including application data 508and system/operating data 514, which may be associated with firmware,software, or hardware installed or implemented on band 200. Further,location data 510 may be used by wearable device 502, as describedabove. User data 516, in some examples, may be data that include profiledata, preferences, rules, or other information that has been previouslyentered by a given user of wearable device 502. Further, network data512 may be data is captured by wearable device with regard to routingtables, data paths, network or access availability (e.g., wirelessnetwork access availability), and the like. Other types of data may becaptured by wearable device 502 and are not limited to the examplesshown and described. Additional context-specific examples of types ofdata captured by bands 104-112 (FIG. 1) are provided below.

FIG. 5B illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplarydata-capable band in fitness-related activities. Here, band 519 may beconfigured to capture types (i.e., categories) of data such as heartrate/pulse monitoring data 520, blood oxygen saturation data 522, skintemperature data 524, salinity/emission/outgassing data 526,location/GPS data 528, environmental data 530, and accelerometer data532. As an example, a runner may use or wear band 519 to obtain dataassociated with his physiological condition (i.e., heart rate/pulsemonitoring data 520, skin temperature, salinity/emission/outgassing data526, among others), athletic efficiency (i.e., blood oxygen saturationdata 522), and performance (i.e., location/GPS data 528 (e.g., distanceor laps run), environmental data 530 (e.g., ambient temperature,humidity, pressure, and the like), accelerometer 532 (e.g.,biomechanical information, including gait, stride, stride length, amongothers)). Other or different types of data may be captured by band 519,but the above-described examples are illustrative of some types of datathat may be captured by band 519. Further, data captured may be uploadedto a website or online/networked destination for storage and other uses.For example, fitness-related data may be used by applications that aredownloaded from a “fitness marketplace” where athletes may find,purchase, or download applications for various uses. Some applicationsmay be activity-specific and thus may be used to modify or alter thedata capture capabilities of band 519 accordingly. For example, afitness marketplace may be a website accessible by various types ofmobile and non-mobile clients to locate applications for differentexercise or fitness categories such as running, swimming, tennis, golf,baseball, football, fencing, and many others. When downloaded, a fitnessmarketplace may also be used with user-specific accounts to manage theretrieved applications as well as usage with band 519, or to use thedata to provide services such as online personal coaching or targetedadvertisements. More, fewer, or different types of data may be capturedfor fitness-related activities.

FIG. 5C illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplarydata-capable band in sleep management activities. Here, band 539 may beused for sleep management purposes to track various types of data,including heart rate monitoring data 540, motion sensor data 542,accelerometer data 544, skin resistivity data 546, user input data 548,clock data 550, and audio data 552. In some examples, heart rate monitordata 540 may be captured to evaluate rest, waking, or various states ofsleep. Motion sensor data 542 and accelerometer data 544 may be used todetermine whether a user of band 539 is experiencing a restful or fitfulsleep. For example, some motion sensor data 542 may be captured by alight sensor that measures ambient or differential light patterns inorder to determine whether a user is sleeping on her front, side, orback. Accelerometer data 544 may also be captured to determine whether auser is experiencing gentle or violent disruptions when sleeping, suchas those often found in afflictions of sleep apnea or other sleepdisorders. Further, skin resistivity data 546 may be captured todetermine whether a user is ill (e.g., running a temperature, sweating,experiencing chills, clammy skin, and others). Still further, user inputdata may include data input by a user as to how and whether band 539should trigger notification facility 208 (FIG. 2) to wake a user at agiven time or whether to use a series of increasing or decreasingvibrations or audio tones to trigger a waking state. Clock data (550)may be used to measure the duration of sleep or a finite period of timein which a user is at rest. Audio data may also be captured to determinewhether a user is snoring and, if so, the frequencies and amplitudetherein may suggest physical conditions that a user may be interested inknowing (e.g., snoring, breathing interruptions, talking in one's sleep,and the like). More, fewer, or different types of data may be capturedfor sleep management-related activities.

FIG. 5D illustrates representative data types for use with an exemplarydata-capable band in medical-related activities. Here, band 539 may alsobe configured for medical purposes and related-types of data such asheart rate monitoring data 560, respiratory monitoring data 562, bodytemperature data 564, blood sugar data 566 (i.e., blood glucose levels),chemical protein/analysis data 568, patient medical records data 570,and healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, physician, registered nurse,physician's assistant, dentist, orthopedist, surgeon, and others) data572. Band 539 may also be configured for use with other data types (notshown), including blood pressure, oxygen saturation and skin conductanceresponse (SCR, also known as skin conductance level, psychogalvanicreflex, electrodermal response or galvanic skin response). In someexamples, data may be captured by band 539 directly from wear by a user.For example, band 539 may be able to sample and analyze sweat through asalinity or moisture detector to identify whether any particularchemicals, proteins, hormones, or other organic or inorganic compoundsare present, which can be analyzed by band 539 or communicated to server114 to perform further analysis. If sent to server 114, further analysesmay be performed by a hospital or other medical facility using datacaptured by band 539. In other examples, more, fewer, or different typesof data may be captured for medical-related activities.

Band 539 may be used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions anddiseases. For example, the types of sensor data described above may beuseful for diagnosing or monitoring medical conditions and diseases suchas sleep disorders, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, hyperthermia,hypothermia, shock, Parkinson's Disease or other disorders (e.g.,disorders involving movement-related symptoms). In some examples, band539 may be implemented with multiple temperature sensors (e.g., one togather body temperature data 564 and another to gather ambienttemperature (i.e., environmental data 530)) in order to isolate changesto a user's body temperature, which may be useful for numerous medicalreasons. For example, dramatic changes in body temperature may indicatevarious types of illnesses (e.g., cold, flu, etc.) or life-threateningevents (e.g., heart attack, stroke, hyperthermia, hypothermia, shock,etc.). In another example, changes in a person's body temperature may beused to monitor a menstrual cycle and determine ovulation times (orfailure to ovulate). In some examples, band 539 may be implemented togather SCR data using two or more sensors. SCR data is known to measurearousal due to emotional intensity or cognitive effort. As such, SCRdata may also be gathered to determine if a user is experiencingsympathetic stress, poor sleep quality or psychopathic tendencies. Inanother example, heart rate monitoring data 560, respiratory monitoringdata 562, alone or along with other data types (e.g., motion sensor data542, accelerometer data 544, etc.) may be gathered by band 539 to aid indetermining when a baby stops breathing, if a baby has irregularbreathing patterns when sleeping, or whether the baby is otherwise indanger of suffering from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). In otherexamples, band 539 may gather similar, or additional, data types todiagnose and monitor sleep disorders in adults. In other examples,various types of data gathered by band 539 may be useful in determiningnegative reactions to food, drink, or environmental influences (e.g.,allergies, indigestion, intoxication, etc.). In yet other examples, band539 may be implemented with different data types to diagnose or monitorother medical conditions and diseases. In some examples, the analysis ofthe above-described data types to diagnose and monitor medicalconditions and diseases may be carried out using an application (i.e.,software application), which may be stored in a memory (i.e., memory206) and executed by a processor (i.e., processor 204). The applicationmay be implemented using application architecture 400, as described inmore detail above (see FIG. 4).

In response to the diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions anddiseases described above, band 539 may be implemented to providenotifications to a user (i.e., using notification facility 208) fortreatment or prevention purposes. In some examples, patient medicalrecords data 570 and healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, physician,registered nurse, physician's assistant, dentist, orthopedist, surgeon,and others) data 572 may be used in conjunction with the sensor-gathereddata types described above to determine types of notifications fortreatment and prevention of medical conditions and diseases. Thisdetermination may be made by an application (i.e., softwareapplication), which may be stored in a memory (i.e., memory 206) andexecuted by a processor (i.e., processor 204). The application may beimplemented using application architecture 400, as described in moredetail above (see FIG. 4). Various types of signals may be used toindicate various treatments and preventative measures. For example, adiabetic user may be prompted using one signal to eat if their bloodglucose level falls below a certain threshold. A diabetic user may alsobe prompted using another signal to take insulin or other medication. Inanother example, band 539 may gather data associated with symptoms ofanaphylactic shock, or other types of allergic reactions (e.g., hayfever, hives, etc.), and in response, provide a signal (e.g., vibratory,audio or visual signal via notification facility 208) to prompt the userto use an epinephrine autoinjector (e.g., EpiPen™), to take a prescribeddose of medication (e.g., an antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl™), acorticosteroid (e.g. Prednisone™), or other drug), or to take otherprescribed treatment actions. In another example, band 539 may gatherdata indicating irregular breathing patterns (e.g., no breaths,distressed breathing patterns, etc.) or other signs of distress orillness (e.g., SIDS warning signs) in a baby, and in response, provide asignal (e.g., vibratory, audio or visual signal via notificationfacility 208) to prompt the baby to move or wake. In some examples, aband 539 worn by a baby may communicate with another band (not shown)worn by a parent, guardian or other caretaker (collectively referred toherein as “parent”) that provides the parent with monitoring informationor alerts (e.g., that the baby has stopped breathing, that the baby isawake, that the baby is experiencing distressed breathing, etc.). Themonitoring information or alerts may be presented using any type of userinterface, as described herein or may otherwise be implemented on theparent's band. The monitoring information or alerts may be communicatedusing a wired or wireless connection. In other examples, the monitoringinformation or alerts may be provided to the parent by any of the dataand communications capable devices described herein. Similarly, band 539may gather data indicating snoring, irregular breathing patterns, orother sleep disorder symptoms in an adult, and in response, provide asignal (e.g., vibratory, audio or visual signal via notificationfacility 208) to prompt the adult to move or wake. In yet otherexamples, band 539 may be implemented with different types ofnotification schemes to treat or prevent other medical conditions anddiseases.

As described in more detail below, band 539 may be implemented incommunication with other bands and other devices. The data typesdescribed above may be gathered by multiple bands and devices to obtaina more comprehensive set of data for analysis by an application. In someexamples, one band (e.g., band 539) may be worn by a non-human subject,such as an animal (e.g., a pet, a zoo animal, a trained animal, etc.) togather various types of data, as described above, and notification maybe provided to a person associated with the non-human subject (e.g., apet owner, a zookeeper, an animal trainer, etc.) for the administrationof various treatments or preventative measures.

FIG. 6 illustrates a transition between modes of operation for a band inaccordance with various embodiments. A band can transition between modesby either entering a mode at 602 or exiting a mode at 660. The flow toenter a mode begins at 602 and flows downward, whereas the flow to exitthe mode begins at 660 and flows upward. A mode can be entered andexited explicitly 603 or entered and exited implicitly 605. Inparticular, a user can indicate explicitly whether to enter or exit amode of operation by using inputs 620. Examples of inputs 620 include aswitch with one or more positions that are each associated with aselectable mode, and a display I/O 624 that can be touch-sensitive forentering commands explicitly to enter or exit a mode. Note that entry ofa second mode of operation can extinguish implicitly the first mode ofoperation. Further, a user can explicitly indicate whether to enter orexit a mode of operation by using motion signatures 610. That is, themotion of the band can facilitate transitions between modes ofoperation. A motion signature is a set of motions or patterns of motionthat the band can detect using the logic of the band, whereby the logiccan infer a mode from the motion signature. Examples of motionsignatures are discussed below in FIG. 11. A set of motions can bepredetermined, and then can be associated with a command to enter orexit a mode. Thus, motion can select a mode of operation. In someembodiments, modes of operation include a “normal” mode, an “activemode,” a “sleep mode” or “resting mode,” among other types of modes. Anormal mode includes usual or normative amount of activities, whereas,an “active mode” typically includes relatively large amounts ofactivity. Active mode can include activities, such as running andswimming, for example. A “sleep mode” or “resting mode” typicallyincludes a relatively low amount of activity that is indicative ofsleeping or resting can be indicative of the user sleeping.

A mode can be entered and exited implicitly 605. In particular, a bandand its logic can determine whether to enter or exit a mode of operationby inferring either an activity or a mode at 630. An inferred mode ofoperation can be determined as a function of user characteristics 632,such as determined by user-relevant sensors (e.g., heart rate, bodytemperature, etc.). An inferred mode of operation can be determinedusing motion matching 634 (e.g., motion is analyzed and a type ofactivity is determined). Further, an inferred mode of operation can bedetermined by examining environmental factors 636 (e.g., ambienttemperature, time, ambient light, etc.). To illustrate, consider that:(1.) user characteristics 632 specify that the user's heart rate is at aresting rate and the body temperature falls (indicative of resting orsleeping), (2.) motion matching 634 determines that the user has arelatively low level of activity, and (3.) environment factors 636indicate that the time is 3:00 am and the ambient light is negligible.In view of the foregoing, an inference engine or other logic of the bandlikely can infer that the user is sleeping and then operate totransition the band into sleep mode. In this mode, power may be reduced.Note that while a mode may transition either explicitly or implicitly,it need not exit the same way.

FIG. 7A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary data-capable bandconfigured to receive overmolding. Here, band 700 includes framework702, covering 704, flexible circuit 706, covering 708, motor 710,coverings 714-724, plug 726, accessory 728, control housing 734, control736, and flexible circuits 737-738. In some examples, band 700 is shownwith various elements (i.e., covering 704, flexible circuit 706,covering 708, motor 710, coverings 714-724, plug 726, accessory 728,control housing 734, control 736, and flexible circuits 737-738) coupledto framework 702. Coverings 708, 714-724 and control housing 734 may beconfigured to protect various types of elements, which may beelectrical, electronic, mechanical, structural, or of another type,without limitation. For example, covering 708 may be used to protect abattery and power management module from protective material formedaround band 700 during an injection molding operation. As anotherexample, housing 704 may be used to protect a printed circuit boardassembly (“PCBA”) from similar damage. Further, control housing 734 maybe used to protect various types of user interfaces (e.g., switches,buttons (e.g., control 736), lights, light-emitting diodes, or othercontrol features and functionality) from damage. In other examples, theelements shown may be varied in quantity, type, manufacturer,specification, function, structure, or other aspects in order to providedata capture, communication, analysis, usage, and other capabilities toband 700, which may be worn by a user around a wrist, arm, leg, ankle,neck or other protrusion or aperture, without restriction. Band 700, insome examples, illustrates an initial unlayered device that may beprotected using the techniques for protective overmolding as describedabove. Alternatively, the number, type, function, configuration,ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied withoutlimitation.

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable band. Here,band 740 includes framework 702, covering 704, flexible circuit 706,covering 708, motor 710, battery 712, coverings 714-724, plug 726,accessory 728, button/switch/LED 730-732, control housing 734, control736, and flexible circuits 737-738 and is shown as a side view of band700. In other examples, the number, type, function, configuration,ornamental appearance, or other aspects shown may be varied withoutlimitation.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective of an exemplary data-capable bandhaving a first molding. Here, an alternative band (i.e., band 800)includes molding 802, analog audio TRRS-type plug (hereafter “plug”)804, plug housing 806, button 808, framework 810, control housing 812,and indicator light 814. In some examples, a first protectiveovermolding (i.e., molding 802) has been applied over band 700 (FIG. 7)and the above-described elements (e.g., covering 704, flexible circuit706, covering 708, motor 710, coverings 714-724, plug 726, accessory728, control housing 734, control 736, and flexible circuit 738) leavingsome elements partially exposed (e.g., plug 804, plug housing 806,button 808, framework 810, control housing 812, and indicator light814). However, internal PCBAs, flexible connectors, circuitry, and othersensitive elements have been protectively covered with a first or innermolding that can be configured to further protect band 800 fromsubsequent moldings formed over band 800 using the above-describedtechniques. In other examples, the type, configuration, location, shape,design, layout, or other aspects of band 800 may be varied and are notlimited to those shown and described. For example, TRRS plug 804 may beremoved if a wireless communication facility is instead attached toframework 810, thus having a transceiver, logic, and antenna insteadbeing protected by molding 802. As another example, button 808 may beremoved and replaced by another control mechanism (e.g., anaccelerometer that provides motion data to a processor that, usingfirmware and/or an application, can identify and resolve different typesof motion that band 800 is undergoing), thus enabling molding 802 to beextended more fully, if not completely, over band 800. In otherexamples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamentalappearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation.

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable band. Here,band 820 includes molding 802, plug 804, plug housing 806, button 808,control housing 812, and indicator lights 814 and 822. In otherexamples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamentalappearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation.

FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary data-capable bandhaving a second molding. Here, band 900 includes molding 902, plug 904,and button 906. As shown another overmolding or protective material hasbeen formed by injection molding, for example, molding 902 over band900. As another molding or covering layer, molding 902 may also beconfigured to receive surface designs, raised textures, or patterns,which may be used to add to the commercial appeal of band 900. In someexamples, band 900 may be illustrative of a finished data-capable band(i.e., band 700 (FIG. 7), 800 (FIG. 8) or 900) that may be configured toprovide a wide range of electrical, electronic, mechanical, structural,photonic, or other capabilities.

Here, band 900 may be configured to perform data communication with oneor more other data-capable devices (e.g., other bands, computers,networked computers, clients, servers, peers, and the like) using wiredor wireless features. For example, plug 900 may be used, in connectionwith firmware and software that allow for the transmission of audiotones to send or receive encoded data, which may be performed using avariety of encoded waveforms and protocols, without limitation. In otherexamples, plug 904 may be removed and instead replaced with a wirelesscommunication facility that is protected by molding 902. If using awireless communication facility and protocol, band 900 may communicatewith other data-capable devices such as cell phones, smart phones,computers (e.g., desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet, and the like),computing networks and clouds, and other types of data-capable devices,without limitation. In still other examples, band 900 and the elementsdescribed above in connection with FIGS. 1-9, may be varied in type,configuration, function, structure, or other aspects, without limitationto any of the examples shown and described.

FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of an exemplary data-capable band. Here,band 910 includes molding 902, plug 904, and button 906. In otherexamples, the number, type, function, configuration, ornamentalappearance, or other aspects shown may be varied without limitation.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary computer system suitable for use with adata-capable band. In some examples, computer system 1000 may be used toimplement computer programs, applications, methods, processes, or othersoftware to perform the above-described techniques. Computer system 1000includes a bus 1002 or other communication mechanism for communicatinginformation, which interconnects subsystems and devices, such asprocessor 1004, system memory 1006 (e.g., RAM), storage device 1008(e.g., ROM), disk drive 1010 (e.g., magnetic or optical), communicationinterface 1012 (e.g., modem or Ethernet card), display 1014 (e.g., CRTor LCD), input device 1016 (e.g., keyboard), and cursor control 1018(e.g., mouse or trackball).

According to some examples, computer system 1000 performs specificoperations by processor 1004 executing one or more sequences of one ormore instructions stored in system memory 1006. Such instructions may beread into system memory 1006 from another computer readable medium, suchas static storage device 1008 or disk drive 1010. In some examples,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination withsoftware instructions for implementation.

The term “computer readable medium” refers to any tangible medium thatparticipates in providing instructions to processor 1004 for execution.Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to,non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, forexample, optical or magnetic disks, such as disk drive 1010. Volatilemedia includes dynamic memory, such as system memory 1006.

Common forms of computer readable media includes, for example, floppydisk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magneticmedium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, anyother physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM,FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other mediumfrom which a computer can read.

Instructions may further be transmitted or received using a transmissionmedium. The term “transmission medium” may include any tangible orintangible medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carryinginstructions for execution by the machine, and includes digital oranalog communications signals or other intangible medium to facilitatecommunication of such instructions. Transmission media includes coaxialcables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including wires that comprise bus1002 for transmitting a computer data signal.

In some examples, execution of the sequences of instructions may beperformed by a single computer system 1000. According to some examples,two or more computer systems 1000 coupled by communication link 1020(e.g., LAN, PSTN, or wireless network) may perform the sequence ofinstructions in coordination with one another. Computer system 1000 maytransmit and receive messages, data, and instructions, includingprogram, i.e., application code, through communication link 1020 andcommunication interface 1012. Received program code may be executed byprocessor 1004 as it is received, and/or stored in disk drive 1010, orother non-volatile storage for later execution.

FIG. 11 depicts a representative implementation of one or more bands andequivalent devices, as wearable devices, to form unique motion profiles,according to various embodiments. In diagram 1100, bands and anequivalent device are disposed on locomotive members of the user,whereby the locomotive members facilitate motion relative to and about acenter point 1130 (e.g., a reference point for a position, such as acenter of mass). A headset 1110 is configured to communicate with bands1111, 1112, 1113 and 1114 and is disposed on a body portion 1102 (e.g.,the head), which is subject to motion relative to center point 1130.Bands 1111 and 1112 are disposed on locomotive portions 1104 of the user(e.g., the arms or wrists), whereas bands 1113 and 1114 are disposed onlocomotive portion 1106 of the user (e.g., the legs or ankles). Asshown, headset 1110 is disposed at distance 1120 from center point 1130,bands 1111 and 1112 are disposed at distance 1122 from center point1130, and bands 1113 and 1114 are disposed at distance 1124 from centerpoint 1130. A great number of users have different values of distances1120, 1122, and 1124. Further, different wrist-to-elbow andelbow-to-shoulder lengths for different users affect the relative motionof bands 1111 and 1112 about center point 1130, and similarly, differenthip-to-knee and knee-to-ankle lengths for different users affect therelative motion of bands 1113 and 1114 about center point 1130.Moreover, a great number of users have unique gaits and styles ofmotion. The above-described factors, as well as other factors,facilitate the determination of a unique motion profile for a user peractivity (or in combination of a number of activities). The uniquenessof the motion patterns in which a user performs an activity enables theuse of motion profile data to provide a “motion fingerprint.” A “motionfingerprint” is unique to a user and can be compared against detectedmotion profiles to determine, for example, whether a use of the band bya subsequent wearer is unauthorized. In some cases, unauthorized usersdo not typically share common motion profiles. Note that while four areshown, fewer than four can be used to establish a “motion fingerprint,”or more can be shown (e.g., a band can be disposed in a pocket orotherwise carried by the user). For example, a user can place a singleband at different portions of the body to capture motion patterns forthose body parts in a serial fashion. Then, each of the motions patternscan be combined to form a “motion fingerprint.” In some cases, a singleband 1111 is sufficient to establish a “motion fingerprint.” In otherexamples, one or more of bands 1111, 1112, 1113 and 1114 can beconfigured to operate with multiple users, including non-human users,such as pets or other animals.

FIGS. 12-13 are diagrams representing examples of networks formed usingone or more bands, according to some embodiments. Diagram 1200 of FIG.12 depicts a personal, wearable network including a number of bands1211, 1212, 1213, and 1214 (more or less) disposed on locomotive bodilymembers of a user or an entity (e.g., a human, an animal, such as a pet,etc.), according to one example. In some embodiments, bands 1211, 1212,1213, and 1214 can communicate with each other via, for example,Bluetooth® to form a peer-to-peer network. Further, a wearablecommunication device 1210 configured for aural communication, such as aheadset, can communicate with bands 1211, 1212, 1213, and 1214, and canserve as a router to route data among bands 1211, 1212, 1213, and 1214,and with a mobile communications device 1216 (e.g., a mobile phone). Asshown, wearable communication device 1210 forms communication links 1217with one or more bands 1211, 1212, 1213, and 1214. Any of bands 1211,1212, 1213, and 1214 can communicate on communication link 1219 vianetworks 1220 to a remote band 1230. Or, bands 1211, 1212, 1213, and1214 can communicate via communication links 1218 and networks 1220 to aremote band 1230. Note that in some embodiments, bands 1211, 1212, 1213,and 1214 form a secured personal, wearable network based on securitykeys that consider, for example, motion (e.g., all bands 1211, 1212,1213, and 1214 are moving in the same direction and can be indicative ofa single person using bands 1211, 1212, 1213, and 1214).

Diagram 1300 of FIG. 13 depicts a number of bands that form a localnetwork between the bands, according to one example. A band 1312 isassociated with a user 1301. Bands 1312 can communicate viacommunication links 1317 and 1318 to communication device 1316, and, inturn, to one or more network 1320. Note that group 1302 of users 1301may be engaging in a common event, such as a yoga class or a marathon.Given this common activity, and some other optional activity orinformation, a secured (or unsecured) local network can be established,for example, without explicit request by users 1301. Rather, the commonactivity and general permissions can facilitate establishment of an adhoc network among band 1312, which, for example, can cease to operate asnetwork once users cease to participate in the common activity.

In at least some examples, the structures and/or functions of any of theabove-described features can be implemented in software, hardware,firmware, circuitry, or a combination thereof. Note that the structuresand constituent elements above, as well as their functionality, may beaggregated with one or more other structures or elements. Alternatively,the elements and their functionality may be subdivided into constituentsub-elements, if any. As software, the above-described techniques may beimplemented using various types of programming or formatting languages,frameworks, syntax, applications, protocols, objects, or techniques. Ashardware and/or firmware, the above-described techniques may beimplemented using various types of programming or integrated circuitdesign languages, including hardware description languages, such as anyregister transfer language (“RTL”) configured to designfield-programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), application-specificintegrated circuits (“ASICs”), or any other type of integrated circuit.These can be varied and are not limited to the examples or descriptionsprovided.

Although the foregoing examples have been described in some detail forpurposes of clarity of understanding, the above-described inventivetechniques are not limited to the details provided. There are manyalternative ways of implementing the above-described inventiontechniques. The disclosed examples are illustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed:
 1. A medical diagnosis and monitoring system,comprising: a medical band comprising one or more sensors configured togather data associated with at least one symptom of a medical conditionand a communications facility configured to communicate with anotherdevice; a memory configured to store the data; a notification facilityconfigured to provide a notification; and an application implemented onthe another device, the application configured to determine the medicalcondition using the data and to provide an instruction to the medicalband.
 2. The medical diagnosis and monitoring system of claim 1, whereinthe another device comprises a computer.
 3. The medical diagnosis andmonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the another device comprisesanother medical band.
 4. The medical diagnosis and monitoring system ofclaim 1, wherein the another device comprises a mobile communicationdevice.
 5. The medical diagnosis and monitoring system of claim 1,wherein the another device comprises a mobile computing device.
 6. Themedical diagnosis and monitoring system of claim 1, wherein theinstruction is associated with the notification.
 7. The medicaldiagnosis and monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the notificationfacility is configured to provide a notification using a remote device.8. The medical diagnosis and monitoring system of claim 7, wherein thenotification is provided using an application implemented on the remotedevice.
 9. The medical diagnosis and monitoring system of claim 7,wherein the medical band is configured to be worn by a child and theremote device is operable by a caretaker.
 10. A medical diagnosis andmonitoring system, comprising: a plurality of medical bands, each of theplurality of medical bands comprising one or more sensors configured togather data associated with at least one symptom of a medical conditionand a communications facility configured to communicate with another ofthe plurality of medical bands; a memory configured to store the data; anotification facility configured to provide a notification; and anapplication implemented on one of the plurality of medical bands, theapplication configured to determine the medical condition using the dataand to provide to another of the plurality of medical bands aninstruction associated with the notification.